Step 1: Nomination

Oliver Scholar nominees are selected in the seventh grade from schools throughout New York’s five boroughs. Students must be nominated by their middle school guidance counselor, educator, principal, or other community-based youth service practitioners. Nominations are due by January 11, 2013. Please complete the Nomination form and send via email to This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it . Supporting documents can also be can also be sent to this email address. To download the Nomination form please click the here.

In addition, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• African American or Latino descent.
• Academic grade point average of at least 90%, however we will consider a slightly lower GPA depending on Middle School and students extracurricular activities. 
• Level 3 and 4 city-wide reading and math scores, with a minimum combined score of 1350 (or the equivalent in other standardized tests).
• Passion for learning, leadership potential, desire to help others, and integrity.

Step 2: Attend an Open House Session

After a student is nominated, the Oliver admissions team will invite preliminary candidates to attend a mandatory Open House Session with a parent or guardian. These sessions take place in January and February. 

Step 3: Complete Family Application

Both the student and the family must complete the Oliver Scholars Program Family Application.  While we know that parents may want to assist their children in the completion of the whole family application, we require that you allow your son/daughter to complete their part of the application on their own.

Step 4: Take the Secondary School Admissions Test (SSAT)

Applicants must take the Secondary School Admissions Test (SSAT) administered by the Oliver Scholars Program in March.

Step 5: Participate in Interview Weekend

The admissions team will then select students to attend the Interview Weekend in April. Parents will be interviewed along with Scholar candidates to discuss the importance of the partnership they will form with the Oliver Scholars Program.

Step 6: Admissions Decisions Made

In late May, 50-55 students will be invited to join Oliver’s 5-week Summer Immersion Program I. [LINK TO SUMMER IMMERSION PROGRAM]

Application Timeline